Selective Asia

Selective Asia Selective Asia is a bespoke travel specialist based in Brighton, UK.

Selective Asia offers tailor-made holidays and privately guided adventures across Asia for the independently minded, discerning traveller seeking a unique experience, not just a run-of-the-mill holiday. Our range of unique, tailor-made holidays and privately guided adventures will take you to Vietnam, Borneo, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand and Japan. We are not a

n automated online business – your calls and website enquiries are dealt with by our experienced UK-based travel consultants who have a thorough knowledge of the countries they specialise in. All have travelled extensively in the region, and continue to do so on a regular basis, to bring you the very best each country has to offer: exciting, unique and interesting experiences, hotels that have been personally inspected, and carefully selected local guides who will show you Asia through their eyes. Our passion for Asia is reflected in the holidays we offer, where the emphasis is on quality at a competitive price.

Tucked into the hills of Phobjikha Valley, a stroll from Gangtey Goemba, Gangtey Lodge blends farmhouse tradition with m...
22/08/2025

Tucked into the hills of Phobjikha Valley, a stroll from Gangtey Goemba, Gangtey Lodge blends farmhouse tradition with modern comfort. Think wood-burning stoves, freestanding bathtubs overlooking misty slopes, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the forested valley.

Days here are as active or restful as you like: hiking, cycling, and birdwatching balance with traditional Bhutanese hot stone baths and meditation sessions. The valley itself is a haven for the endangered Black-necked Crane, and conservation projects offer the chance to learn more about their winter migration.

Sustainability is at the heart of the lodge. Built with eco-friendly and locally sourced materials, it runs with maximum energy efficiency, and recycles the majority of its water and food waste. The aim is simple: to minimise impact on this fragile landscape while supporting the surrounding community. A mini-model of Bhutan.

If you decide to venture deeper into the heart of Bhutan, do spend a couple of blissful days here. Have you been to Gangtey yet?

In Bhutan, progress isn’t measured in GDP. It’s, quite literally measured, in happiness. Gross National Happiness (GNH),...
17/08/2025

In Bhutan, progress isn’t measured in GDP. It’s, quite literally measured, in happiness. Gross National Happiness (GNH), introduced by the fourth king in the 1970s, rests on four pillars: protecting the environment, preserving culture, promoting sustainable and fair economic growth, and ensuring good governance.

It shapes every policy Bhutan has, but not without its controversies. Recent criticism of the Gross National Happiness Concept has highlighted that it sometimes masks social issues like youth unemployment or rural poverty. The focus on cultural preservation has, in the past, sidelined minority groups, and the high daily fee for visitors, designed to support “high-value, low-impact” tourism, makes Bhutan an exclusive destination.

GNH remains, however, a rare example of a country trying to measure success in human terms. It does, of course, invite debate. Would Bhutan benefit from lowering its daily rate and allowing more travellers in? Or would the fear of overtourism become a reality?

Perched high in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a small kingdom with a big story. Here, the highest peaks are off-limit...
13/08/2025

Perched high in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a small kingdom with a big story. Here, the highest peaks are off-limits to climbers, rivers run clean enough to drink, and forests blanket more than 70% of the land. It’s the world’s only carbon-negative country, and protecting nature is written into its constitution.

Travelling here means moving at Bhutan’s pace: slow, thoughtful, and always close to nature. It’s a place to walk ancient trails, share tea with strangers, and feel the mountains watching quietly overhead. A destination that’s worth both your time, and the efforts of getting there.

Visiting Bhutan is like stepping into a fairytale world, which, in fact, is very real.

The Last Shangri-La, the Land of Happiness, the Last Himalayan Kingdom, the Land of the Thunder Dragon: Bhutan is known ...
13/08/2025

The Last Shangri-La, the Land of Happiness, the Last Himalayan Kingdom, the Land of the Thunder Dragon: Bhutan is known by many poetic names. Adorned by the mighty Himalayas and shaped by a deep belief in good deeds, this small kingdom carries its traditions with pride, sweeping travellers off their feet with the surrounding beauty, kindness, and magic.

This month we’re dedicating to Bhutan, the country that leaves even the most seasoned travellers speechless. Come with us. Let’s discover Bhutan together.

Recently having returned from her first ever adventure through Vietnam, our content writer Kate was mesmerised by the co...
04/08/2025

Recently having returned from her first ever adventure through Vietnam, our content writer Kate was mesmerised by the country’s culture, natural beauty, and food scene.

We’ve asked her to share some tips that might be helpful to first time travellers, who are about to explore Vietnam. Find out Kate’s expert advice in the carousel, and share yours in the comments!

Vietnam is vibrant, layered and full of contrast. If you’ve never been to South East Asia, it’s easily one of the best p...
03/08/2025

Vietnam is vibrant, layered and full of contrast. If you’ve never been to South East Asia, it’s easily one of the best places to start getting acquainted with this part of the world. And to make things easier, here’s what to expect from Vietnam if you’ve never been before.

The weather changes with the regions: northern hills can be cool while the south stays tropical. Pack light, but smart. Good old layers do come in handy.

Cross the road slowly and with purpose, traffic flows around you like water (it just does, trust the process).

Food is central to daily life. Meals are often shared, always fresh, and eaten with chopsticks. Do give it a go!

Local markets are an adventure of its own kind. Do not miss an opportunity to visit.
A few words in Vietnamese go a long way. A simple “xin chào” (hello) or “cảm ơn” (thank you) is always met with a smile.

And, above all, enjoy every moment of your adventure. Be curious. Go beyond the tourist trails. Explore the places you visit, and see the country's unique unpolished beauty.

Coffee in Vietnam is taken seriously. Brewed strong, served slowly, and enjoyed with purpose. Introduced by the French i...
31/07/2025

Coffee in Vietnam is taken seriously. Brewed strong, served slowly, and enjoyed with purpose. Introduced by the French in the 19th century, it’s since evolved into a culture of its own.

At the heart of it is the phin: a small metal drip filter placed over a glass. The process is unhurried. Coarsely ground robusta beans trickle down into a rich, intense brew, often poured over sweetened condensed milk, or enjoyed black, hot or iced.

But there’s more than one way to take your coffee here. Try egg coffee in Hanoi, whipped with egg yolk and sugar into a creamy, almost dessert-like topping. Or coconut coffee in the south, blended with frozen coconut cream for a cooler, tropical take.

Forget flat whites, and colourful takeaway cups, and slowly sip your fresh local brew watching the world go by.

Tucked among the rice terraces of northern Vietnam, Mu Cang Chai Eco Lodge is more than just a place to stay. It’s a tho...
28/07/2025

Tucked among the rice terraces of northern Vietnam, Mu Cang Chai Eco Lodge is more than just a place to stay. It’s a thoughtful, beautiful ode to sustainability and local culture.

Built with local materials, powered by the sun, and shaped by the rhythms of the land, this is slow, conscious travel at its best. Water is sourced sustainably, waste is managed with care, and the surrounding communities are partners rather than neighbours.

Step outside and the world stretches wide: terraces that ripple like silk across the hillsides, Hmong villages, where tradition holds strong, and mountain trails that wind through fairytale landscapes.

This is Vietnam at its most quietly spectacular. Come for the views, stay for the stillness, and leave with a deeper sense of what connection can look like.

Vietnamese food is all about balance. Fresh herbs against slow-cooked broths, soft noodles wrapped in crunch, spice temp...
27/07/2025

Vietnamese food is all about balance. Fresh herbs against slow-cooked broths, soft noodles wrapped in crunch, spice tempered by sweetness. Every bite is full of flavour, and balanced to perfection. Forget food trends. Vietnamese cuisine is all about heritage and tradition.

Pho is just the beginning. As in any other country, Vietnamese cuisine varies by region, making it even more fascinating to discover. Head north for delicate flavours and clear broths. In central Vietnam, the food grows bolder: spicy, complex, with dishes once made for emperors. In the south, it’s vibrant and generous, full of tropical fruit, grilled meats and coconut-laced curries.

Try as much as you can, go to local eateries, and never avoid street carts (they are the best, and a true soul of any place). Here are a few dishes you cannot miss:
- banh cuon (steamed rice rolls served with herbs and dipping sauce);
- bun cha (grilled pork with noodles and broth - popular in Hanoi);
- cao lau (smoky noodles with barbecued meat and fragrant greens, typical for Hoi An);
- banh mi (Vietnam’s own take on the perfect sandwich).

Who's hungry?

There’s more to Vietnam than ticking off temples and sipping pho. Stay a little longer, and the country begins to shift....
20/07/2025

There’s more to Vietnam than ticking off temples and sipping pho. Stay a little longer, and the country begins to shift. Venture away from the famed locations, and you’ll see its real face, with all the expressions lines, showing its true character and personality.

Hoi An glows with charm, but head into the hills around Ha Giang, and you’ll find landscapes that feel untouched by time. The streets of Hanoi buzz with energy, but drift south to Quy Nhon, or the peaceful backwaters of the Mekong, and Vietnam starts to breathe at a different pace. Sapa draws the crowds, but venture further to Pu Luong, where rice terraces ripple through the mist, and you’ll be rewarded with otherworldly scenery all to yourself.

This isn’t about skipping the icons. It’s about widening the frame. Unfollowing the herd is always a good idea after all.

This month, we’re turning our attention to Vietnam, a country as perfectly balanced as its cuisine, where each element h...
09/07/2025

This month, we’re turning our attention to Vietnam, a country as perfectly balanced as its cuisine, where each element holds its exact spot for a reason, just like instruments in an orchestra.

It’s a place of subtle contrasts, where emerald mountains tumble into quiet bays, and buzzing city streets give way to lantern-lit evenings. Where ancient caves co-exist with man-made modern monuments. Where ancient traditions are entangled with every-day rituals.

This is Vietnam. And this month, we’ll take you closer.

There is this common misconception that India is a country for seasoned travellers, and we are here to encourage anyone ...
06/07/2025

There is this common misconception that India is a country for seasoned travellers, and we are here to encourage anyone seeking a genuine and memorable adventure to not be discouraged. Embrace the unknown, have no expectations, and above all, do not rush through the country. India isn’t a checklist. It’s a book, where you need to carefully read every page before you can get to the next chapter, otherwise it’s bound to be misunderstood.

India isn’t only for the seasoned traveller. It’s for anyone willing to arrive with open eyes and an open heart. And for those who do, it has a way of staying with you, long after you’ve returned. Believe us when we say that once you’ve been there, you’ll always want to come back.

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Citibase Building, 95 Ditchling Road
Brighton
BN14ST

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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